Unleash the Unknown: Why DnD Needs a Planescape: Torment Sequel Now!

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Summary

  • Planescape: Torment is a cult classic CRPG known for its deep, philosophical narrative and memorable world within Dungeons and Dragons’ universe.
  • Developer Beamdog previously planned a sequel, “Planescape: Unraveled,” that was canceled due to lack of funding.
  • Wizards of the Coast should revisit this canceled sequel to capitalize on DnD’s popularity and fan demand for more titles.

Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) has made significant strides since its beginnings as a tabletop game, extending its presence into various types of media. However, long before this expansion, in 1999, the computer role-playing game (CRPG), Planescape: Torment, marked one of D&D’s early ventures into video games and has since earned cult status among many fans. While not as universally known as later D&D works, remains a cherished title for its thought-provoking narrative set in one of D&D’s less mainstream, yet most enthralling, settings.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve always been intrigued by the tales spun by David Gaider during his tenure as lead writer on BioWare’s Dragon Age series. After departing from BioWare, he joined forces with other former BioWare members at Beamdog. In an exclusive chat, Gaider shared insights about their time together, revealing that they had initially planned a sequel to Planescape: Torment. Unfortunately, the project never saw the light of day. However, recent developments have surfaced that make me believe Wizards of the Coast should reconsider reviving this abandoned project, as the timing might just be perfect for a fresh take on it in the Dungeons and Dragons universe.

Why the Time is Right for Dungeons and Dragons to Revisit the Canceled Planescape: Torment Sequel

Planescape: Torment’s Legacy and Canceled Sequel

Planescape: Torment is typically associated with its exceptionally complex storyline. Unlike many games that prioritize combat, Planescape primarily centers around the narrative of The Nameless One, his quest to recover lost memories and discover his purpose in existence. This narrative unfolds within a richly detailed and distinctive universe teeming with quirky and diverse characters who embody various aspects of morality and philosophical perspectives on life and death. The game offered an unparalleled experience that few games before or since could match, and is often praised for having one of the best narratives in gaming history.

In the aforementioned interview, Gaider, who later co-founded Summerfall Studios, discussed his tenure at Beamdog. The studio was once closely associated with Dungeons and Dragons, having worked on remakes of Baldur’s Gate, Neverwinter Nights, and the 2017 enhanced edition of Planescape: Torment. They had also planned a sequel titled Planescape: Unraveled, where fans would have been invited on a journey to uncover the enigma of their own existence by playing as one of three aspects of Ravel Puzzlewell.

Despite not gaining significant traction initially due to funding constraints and its moderate commercial performance compared to its popularity, the idea could now be ripe for further development given the growing interest in Dungeons & Dragons, particularly its latest video game.

In 2017, inXile unveiled the game “Torment: Tides of Numenera,” which was inspired by Monte Cook’s tabletop role-playing game “Numenera” and marketed as a spiritual follow-up to “Planescape: Torment.

Wizards of the Coast Should Resurrect Planescape: Torment’s Canceled Followup Soon

2023 proved to be a significant year for Dungeons and Dragons adaptations, predominantly due to Larian Studios’ release of Baldur’s Gate 3. This game was widely acclaimed as exceptional, often ranking at the top of fans’ and critics’ lists for the best game of that year. In fact, it won an award at The Game Awards. Although many were anticipating further developments, Larian announced that they are transitioning away from the franchise, with Baldur’s Gate 3 receiving its final major update just this month.

Developing “Planescape: Unraveled” by collaborating with a different studio would be an effective strategy for Wizards of the Coast to maintain the excitement around Dungeons & Dragons (DnD). By doing so, they can ride on the wave of popularity and success of “Baldur’s Gate 3“, thereby introducing newcomers to the captivating world and grandeur of “Planescape“. This move would also delve deeper into the unique concepts of “Planescape” while offering both novice and seasoned fans another immersive, narrative-driven DnD video game experience.

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2025-04-22 14:04